Chancellor Fiorentino's Blog

Traveling to every PASSHE campus this past fall reminded me why we do this work. Seeing our mission in action through the eyes of our students, faculty and staff reinforced just how essential this system is to all of Pennsylvania. That’s why we are so committed to ensuring a PASSHE university experience is not just high-quality but also affordable. Because we have regained our affordability advantage, this year alone our universities saw an increase in first-generation students, transfer students, and Pell students. On top of that, we saw record high student retention. Because PASSHE universities are affordable, more students can start and finish their degree. While it would be enough to protect affordability simply because it’s the right thing to do — allowing more Pennsylvanians to pursue their personal higher education goals — affordability matters for a broader reason. You see, our commonwealth is facing a talent supply crisis. There are not enough equipped, qualified ...

Even with a fresh blanket of snow, the energy at our universities is electric as the spring semester begins. Students are energized and eager, and faculty and staff have been hard at work to ensure a smooth return. At the same time, we know all too well how quickly the next 16 weeks will go, so getting off to a good start makes the difference. Our people make the difference. You make the difference. And this year, we will lift up stories of how people are the true power and promise of PASSHE. Here are just a few: Dr. Randilyn Lewis , an assistant professor at PennWest University who helps nursing students build their confidence so they can positively influence their communities. Dr. Sherri Bergsten , a professor at Shippensburg University who conducts cancer research alongside her students and enjoys witnessing their growth.  People are at the heart of everything we do. Whether it's engaging our students, faculty, and staff, collaborating with the local community, or leveragin...